OPENING SERVE
Score: No. 11 Ohio State 3 | Queens 1
Records: Ohio State (7-3, 2-0 MIVA) | Queens (5-5, 0-3 MIVA)
Location: Levine Center (Charlotte, N.C.)
THE SHORT STORY
The Queens University of Charlotte men's volleyball team battled No. 11 Ohio State Friday night inside the Levine Center, pushing the nationally ranked Buckeyes to four sets before falling, 25-22, 25-22, 26-28, 25-18. The third-set victory marked the first set win over Ohio State in program history.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ohio State narrowly claimed the opening two sets, 25-22 and 25-22, overcoming competitive efforts from the Royals. Queens stayed within striking distance throughout both frames, but the Buckeyes hit .464 in set two to take control of the match.
The Royals responded in the third in a tightly contested battle that featured 24 tie scores and four lead changes. Queens hit .406 in the frame and fended off multiple match points before closing out a 28-26 victory, securing the program's first-ever set win against Ohio State.
Ohio State regrouped in the fourth, hitting .519 with 16 kills and just two errors to pull away and seal the 3-1 decision.
BY THE NUMBERS
Ohio State finished the match hitting .397 with 63 kills, while Queens totaled 44 kills on a .224 clip. The Buckeyes held advantages in digs (47-36) and service aces (4-3).
ROYALS LEADERS
Casey Maas led Queens with 14 kills, while Nathan Vaupel added seven kills and hit .500 with seven block assists. Chance Shampine recorded eight kills and three service aces.
Charlie Podgorny dished out 35 assists, and Britton Skousen anchored the back row with five digs.
NOTABLES
• First set win over Ohio State in program history
• Queens hit .406 in the third set
• 24 tie scores in the third frame
• Attendance of 326 inside the Levine Center
UP NEXT
Queens closes the series with Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 15 at the Levine Center.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals men's volleyball team on Instagram and Twitter/X to stay up to date on all the latest news surrounding the team. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics to stay updated on all the Royals sports teams in action by searching @QueensAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
